New immigrant communities: Laws and attitudes about immigration are in a state of flux throughout the nation. Anxiety is mounting in new immigrant communities. What does this have to do with 1001 Presbyterian New Worshiping Communities? Approximately 150 of the 402 currently active new worshiping communities, or more than one-third, serve primarily new immigrant groups. Many of these immigrants come from families that have been Presbyterian for generations and are deeply committed to worshiping in the Presbyterian Church. (U.S.A.)
Click the link below to access the online version of the Dream Team Questionnaire that was distributed at the presbytery meeting on November 14th.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE QUESTIONNAIRES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 28, 2017.
Please help increase awareness of #GivingTuesday by talking about it within your congregations. Materials and resources to help invite support and promote #GivingTuesday can be found by clicking the link below.
Shallowford Presbyterian Church has a direct connection to assisting the Cabo Rojo region of Puerto Rico. If you would like to help please contact Rev. Jeff Sockwell at [email protected] The following is information they recently circulated: "We readied our first shipment this week and discovered that the cost of shipping is exorbitant. We researched other options and determined that Amazon Prime was our best option. We can send supplies directly to Camille's community, and still be eligible for free shipping. The session recently requested that we ask for monetary donations only going forward. Checks should be made out to Shallowford Presbyterian Church for Puerto Rico relief. We are keeping a running list of items shipped which is displayed at the church."
Board of Pensions Call to Health
Time is running out for Medical Plan members and their covered spouses to complete Call to Health by November 17, 2017. Visit the website (link below) to register, complete challenges, and earn points.
TO CLERKS OF SESSION - ANNUAL "CLERK'S" QUESTIONNAIRE: Just a heads up that you will soon receive the "Clerk's Annual Questionnaire" directly via email from the Presbyterian Mission Agency. While many of the questions in this annual survey do not pertain directly to the work of a Clerk of Session, this is the only Church-wide survey where all offices in six PC(USA) agencies can ask questions that are specific to the particular congregation - and the most reliable point-of-contact is, naturally, the Clerk of Session! These questions change almost every year; this year's survey will include questions that several pastors have asked about pledging. Please participate in this activity to the best of your ability. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
David Vaughan, Stated Clerk
Statistical Reports
A reminder that the Annual Statistical Reports for 2017 and Salem Information Forms will be coming soon!
Medical Mission to Chiapas
INFO FOR UPCOMING MEDICAL MISSIONS TO CHIAPAS: Medical caravans are scheduled to the Manos de Cristo clinic in Ocosingo, Chiapas, Mexico in late January & February 2018. Click below for more information. Also... Your help is needed supplying items for Salem Presbytery medical mission trips. Click below for a WISH LIST. Items can be dropped off at the offices of Salem Presbytery. If you have questions contact Ray Mims at email below.
If your congregation is celebrating a significant anniversary (25, 50, 75, 100, etc.), please let the presbytery office know.
PYC Youth Spring Retreat
Salem Presbytery Youth Spring Retreat ON THE PATH - March 3-4, 2018 using Psalm 119: 1-3 Our leader for the event is Rev. Amy Cantrell, site coordinator for BeLoved House Asheville. Registration will be ready soon. Save the date and plan to join in the fun.
Help Needed: Famine Relief
YOUR HELP NEEDED TODAY!: Call your senators and request aid of $1 billion dollars for famine relief in Africa. The money is to come from the 2017 Appropriations. The number to call is 800 826-3688.
Eustacia Marshall - Presbyterian Foundation, Board Member
223rd General Assembly
The 223rd General Assembly (2018) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will be held in St. Louis, Missouri - June 16 - 23.The GA meets biennially in even-numbered years and consists of commissioners elected by each of its 173 presbyteries. The GA is full of activities: business sessions, committee meetings, an exhibit hall, daily worship services, and mission tours sponsored by the Committee on Local Arrangements. The assembly acts on hundreds of items of business, which it receives through the reports and recommendations of various assembly entities, and through overtures from synods and presbyteries.
